Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) in collaboration with the multi-agency team has intercepted a truck carrying 54 drums of uncustomed ethanol.

The drums were carrying 250 litres each with an estimated market value of Ss10.9 million and had a tax implication of Sh6.7 million. 

The consignment was intercepted along the Kacheliba-Makutano route in West Pokot County.

According to Commissioner, Customs & Border Control Lilian Nyaluanda, the multi-agency team based at the Suam Border Office was acting on a tip-off from the public when they intercepted the truck.

After intercepting the truck, the officers conducted a 100 per cent verification on the consignment and confirmed that the truck was ferrying drums of ethanol, 133 crates with assorted empty beer bottles and 301 empty beer crates. 

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The truck driver said he was transporting alcoholic beverages from Uganda to Kainuk upon interrogation. 

The consignment has been detained by the National Police Service as investigations are ongoing.

Nyawanda said the move was part of the authority's initiatives to promote legitimate trade and consumer protection.

"KRA continues to collaborate with multiagency teams to enhance vigilance at the ports of entry. This is part of KRA initiatives geared towards promoting legitimate trade, mobilizing revenue and protecting the society from proliferation of harmful products," Nyawanda said

This comes a few days after the Government launched a nationwide crackdown targeting counterfeit alcoholic beverages and drugs as Kenyans head deep into the Christmas festive season.

According to Interior CS Raymond Omollo the crackdown should mitigate potential harm to consumers in the country caused by illicit brews made probably made from such uncustomed ethanol.

“This crackdown is therefore timely as it mitigates the potential harm wrought on our people by illicit brews and counterfeit alcohol that is mostly traded in non-compliant premises. Through this exercise, we can protect our youth from the devastating effects of alcohol and drug abuse,”